Is Your Home Safe?

Melissa Mauser Galvin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Executive Director,

As we end May-Older Americans Month, we continue the celebration of the 1999 International Year of Older Persons. Our senior citizens have accomplished and contribute much to our society. In keeping with this year's theme-"Towards a Society for All Ages, we endeavor to prepare now and in the future for a long and productive life, giving special attention to Safety. We want all senior citizens to be safe.

This is an opportune time to focus on Safety. The National Safety Council has designated June 1999, as National Safety Month. There are numerous areas of safety to consider such as automobile, fire, outdoor, pet, storm, home, senior, travel and fire, however, we will focus on Safety at Home.

Take a look at your home. Home Safety is one of the biggest worries shared by senior citizens. It covers many things from house cleaners to smoke detectors.

Is your home safe? Here are some things you can do to make sure.

• Set up basic fire escapes and install working smoke detectors.
• Check electrical outlets and eliminate electrical extension cords.
• Check your garage door opener to ensure it is secure.
• Lock all windows.
• Keep guns unloaded and secure.
• Write emergency numbers near all telephones.
• Ensure necessary first aid supplies are on hand.
• Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Store all household cleaners and medicines safely.
• Install a solid door with a double deadbolt lock.
• Place a piece of wood or pins in window tracks to prevent unauthorized entry.

Report all crime. Often senior citizens become victims of crime in their homes. Many are embarrassed or frightened about reporting crime in their homes. Please remember that reporting crime can alert the police of problems and encourage better protection in the future.

At home one of the simplest crime prevention measures is to lock doors and windows. Also, when answering the door, look through the peephole or ask visitors to identify themselves before you unlock it.

Fear of safety can be harmful to one's physical and mental health.

Help us help you be happy and safe!

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You can reach the Alabama Commission on Aging by writing to them at PO Box 301851, Montgomery AL 36130-1851, or calling (334) 242-5743.